Visit of NZ HAGAR Director to FGS South Island

Urged by Mr Ron Wright, Justice of Peace New Zealand, the
Executive Director of Hagar Charity Foundation New Zealand, Mr Don Lord, paid a visit to Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Temple South Island on 14 September 2016. Mr Lord was given a guided tour of the Temple as well as the ‘Venerable. Master Hsing Yun’s One-Stroke Calligraphy Exhibition’ by Venerable Abbess of FGS New Zealand, Venerable Abbess Manshin, FGS Temple South Island Supervisor, Venerable. JueXi, BLIA South Island President See Shen Lee, BLIA New Zealand Senior Advisor Dolly Tsai and BLIA members.

In her briefing, Venerable Abbess Manshin informed Mr Lord that the Temple was just reopened to the Public recently after undergoing massive repairs and renovations for four years. The temple was badly damaged during the 2012 Canterbury Earthquake. Presently, Dharma Sessions on Emperor Liang were being held in the Temple to seek blessings for the people of Christchurch. Mr Lord was also introduced to the life story of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, divided into nine ten-year periods and to Venerable Master’s involvement and contribution towards Humanistic Buddhism. Mr Lord expressed his great respect and admiration for Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s wisdom, compassion and sacrifices. Mr Lord was also full of praises for the simplistic and yet magnificent architecture and landscape of the FGS South Island Temple. He hoped the Public would make good use of this serene facility.

Afterwards, Mr Lord, who has been very passionate about charity work, gave a briefing on the objectives and management of Hagar Charity Foundation whose main activities consist of raising funds to help in the resettlement of women and children victims in Cambodia, Vietnam and Afghanistan. Mr Lord expressed his hope that FGS New Zealand can work with Hagar Charity Foundation by introducing Humanistic Buddhism to their charity work.
In response, Venerable Abbess Manshin reiterated her wish to see such cooperation between the two Organisations in helping the unfortunate victims and bringing rays of hope and positivity into their lives.

The visit ended with the presentation of two books, “Humanistic Buddhism – Holding True to the Original Intents of Buddha” and “366 Days of Wisdom” By Venerable Abbess Manshin to Mr Lord.